The Commonwealth Journalists Association wishes to send its condolences to the family of the distinguished journalist and BBC World Affairs Correspondent, Brian Hanrahan, who has died after a short illness.
Brian was a consummate professional – a quiet, modest person, he had an economy of language and the ability to get to the heart of a story which was the envy of his colleagues – witness his most resonant phrase that he used during the height of the Falklands conflict when he said "I counted them all out and I counted them all back"referring to British planes flying on a mission off an aircraft carrier against the Argentines.<
Brian later became a respected World Affairs (Diplomatic) Correspondent and a calm, unflappable presenter of current affairs radio programmes like The World This Weekend.<
He was a long-time friend of many of our members and won high praise for his professional and firm chairing of a discussion organised by the CJA at the House of Commons in July on India-Pakistan relations.
Brian could always be relied upon to give an immediate but mature and measured judgement on an item of breaking news – much to be envied in this world of rolling twenty four news, a quality which will be much missed.
Rita Payne<
Chair, Commonwealth Journalists Association (UK)<
We campaign for free, bold and honest journalism across the Commonwealth. Our members should feel engaged, supported and safe in pursuit of these aims, as they work to uphold the finest principles of the profession and their role in a free society.
Our aims and values are enshrined in The 12 Principles, a new code proposed for freedom of expression and the role of media in good governance across the Commonwealth.
News
Lots of scope in the Harry Hodson Award
Patsy Robertson, the dedicated link between journalists and the Commonwealth
Kailash Budhwar, acclaimed broadcaster who guided BBC Hindi service
Cameroon journalists mourn media champion Chief Foanyi
Decisive break with the past … and little cause for optimism, says Kashmir panel